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Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh speaks with a referee on the sideline during the second half against Maryland, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 at Michigan Stadium.(Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press)

The Michigan football head coach was present at his weekly news conference at Schembechler Hall. But he chose to say little, whether about the status of several injured players or about the rivalry with Michigan State, which the Wolverines will play this week.

What did Harbaugh say to his team about the opportunity this week?

“Mhmm," said Harbaugh, who is 1-2 as a coach against Michigan State. "Great opportunity.”

Here is what else Harbaugh said as he previewed Michigan’s game Saturday at Michigan State (Noon, Fox).

Spartans' run defense poses big test

Michigan State typically has a stout run defense. This year's team is no exception. The Spartans boast the nation's top run defense, allowing an average of 62.3 yards per game — over 12 yards better than Utah, which has the No. 2 run defense.

“They play very stout up front," Harbaugh said. "They’ve got some real hard playing guys. Linebackers are some of the best in the league. Very sound system that they do a great job of adjusting. Very well coached. They have a lot of variation to their scheme.

"If there are holes in the run game, they get closed quickly, they get adjusted to. All good.”

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Even with Michigan stomping Wisconsin, Minnesota staying close with Ohio State and Northwestern needing overtime to top Nebraska, the biggest story of the Big Ten this past weekend was Michigan State's win over Penn State. Where does this put the Spartans in the Free Press' Big Ten power rankings? Rich Barnes, USA TODAY Sports

One good thing ...

Offensive line trending up

Harbaugh was mostly pleased with his team's performance. He singled out the offensive line for praise; he believes all five starters are currently playing their best football.

Harbaugh thought fifth-year senior right tackle Juwann Bushell-Beatty played the best game of his career against Wisconsin, and he also praised junior right guard Michael Onwenu.

One bad thing ...

Gary could still be out for this game

Michigan has dealt with some injuries in recent weeks but got several of those players back for the Wisconsin game. Junior defensive end Rashan Gary, though, was not one of them; he sat out his second consecutive game as he deals with an upper-body injury.

Remember this quote

Harbaugh on quarterback Shea Patterson ...

“He finds another thing to be good at every single week. This past week, his running ability. His ball-handling was superb with the fakes, carrying out the fakes, with the decision making, ball security. He does a great job of taking care of the football. He had one that he forced in the ballgame last week but that’s the first one I can remember in a while. In several games, anyway. Does a great job making decisions. Team trusts him.”